From the core of the earth to the core of the archetypal organometallic compound ferrocene, iron and its compounds contribute to create many aspects of our reality: the earth's magnetism, hemoglobin's respiratory function, and a myriad of life-essential biochemical reactions. This review deals with synthetic iron compounds from the literature, in particular ferrocene and derivatives, which are potential new anticancer agents. Cytotoxic ferrocenes are among the most promising metal-based drugs for cancer chemotherapy. There is a vast range of reported compounds, herein classified into three categories, according to their chemical nature and supramolecular organization. The first comprises ferrocenium salts and ferrocene derivatives, from simple functionalized ferrocenes to elaborate iron-based mimics of organic drugs, the second includes heterometallic complexes (with two or more metal centers), in which ferrocene has the role of an ancillary ligand, and the third comprises cytotoxic ferrocenes associated with carrier systems, namely aqueous-soluble polymers, multilayer micelles, and cyclodextrins.

Cyclodextrins, since their discovery in the late 19th century, were mainly regarded as excipients. Nevertheless, developments in cyclodextrin research have shown that some of these hosts can capture and include biomolecules, highlighting fatty acids and cholesterol, which implies that they are not inert and that their action may be used in specific medicinal purposes. The present review, centered on literature reports from the year 2000 until the present day, presents a comprehensive description of the known biological activities of cyclodextrins and their implications for medicinal applications. The paper is divided into two main sections, one devoted to the properties and applications of cyclodextrins as active pharmaceutical ingredients in a variety of pathologies, from infectious ailments to cardiovascular dysfunctions and metabolic diseases. The second section is dedicated to the use of cyclodextrins in a range of biomedical technologies.

The study describes the current state of knowledge on nanotechnology and its utilization in medicine. The focus in this manuscript was on the properties, usage safety, and potentially valuable applications of chitosan-based nanomaterials. Chitosan nanoparticles have high importance in nanomedicine, biomedical engineering, discovery and development of new drugs. The manuscript reviewed the new studies regarding the use of chitosan-based nanoparticles for creating new release systems with improved bioavailability, increased specificity and sensitivity, and reduced pharmacological toxicity of drugs. Nowadays, effective cancer treatment is a global problem, and recent advances in nanomedicine are of great importance. Special attention was put on the application of chitosan nanoparticles in developing new system for anticancer drug delivery. Pre-clinical and clinical studies support the use of chitosan-based nanoparticles in nanomedicine. This manuscript overviews the last progresses regarding the utilization, stability, and bioavailability of drug nanoencapsulation with chitosan and their safety.

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Organometallic-cyclodextrin inclusion compounds were obtained by the treatment of molybdenocene dichloride (Cp 2 MoCl 2 ) with the modified cyclodextrins (CDs) heptakis-2,3,6-tri-O-methyl-b-CD (TRIMEB) and 2-hydroxypropyl-b-CD (HPbCD) in aqueous solution. The products were isolated by liophilisation and characterised in the solid-state by powder XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, and 13 C CP MAS NMR spectroscopy. The results are consistent with inclusion of Cp 2 MoCl 2 , rather than hydrolysis products such as [Cp 2 Mo(H 2 O)X] + (X = Cl, OH) or [Cp 2 Mo(H 2 O) 2 ] 2+ . The pure non-included metallocene Cp 2 MoCl 2 and its inclusion compounds with unmodified b-CD, TRIMEB and HPbCD were screened for their potential antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, in both human cancer and healthy cell lines. Inclusion in CD was found to enhance the cytotoxic effect of Cp 2 MoCl 2 , with the TRIMEB adduct displaying the highest anti-tumour activity, along with the lowest toxicity towards non-neoplastic cells.

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Bisphosphonates, used for a long time in osteoporosis management, are currently the target of intensive research, from pre-formulation studies to more advanced stages of clinical practice. This review presents an overview of the contributions of this family of compounds to human health, starting with the chemistry and clinical uses of bisphosphonates. Following this, their pharmacology is described, highlighting administration-borne handicaps and undesirable effects. The last three sections of the review describe the research efforts that seek to curb delivery-related issues and expand bisphosphonate use. Innovative routes and strategies of administration, such as nano-encapsulation for oral intake or injectable cements for local or in-bone delivery are presented, as well as the latest results of case studies or preclinical studies proposing new therapeutic indications for the clinically approved bisphosphonates. Finally, a selection of anti-infectious bisphosphonate new drug candidates is shown, with focus on the molecules reported in the last two decades.